Issues
Lebanon
Who are Lebanese-Americans?
Posted on Tuesday October 17, 2006
Lebanese immigrants have been settling in the U.S. since the late 19th century, making them the largest subgroup of Arabic speaking immigrants in America.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau*, approximately one-third of persons reporting Arab ancestry were Lebanese. AAIF estimates that at least one million Americans are of Lebanese heritage.
Sununu Statement Regarding Lebanon Private Sector Initiative
Posted on Monday September 25, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding President Bush’s meeting with a Presidential delegation of American business leaders who have joined forces to help rebuild Lebanon following the recent conflict with Israel.
Senate Votes on the Feinstein Amendment on the Use of Cluster Bombs
Posted on Thursday September 7, 2006
Amendment rejected by Senate by a Vote of 30-70
On September 6, the Senate rejected an amendment offered by Senators Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) calling for the protection of “civilian lives from unexploded cluster munitions” by preventing US tax dollars from being spent to acquire, utilize, sell, or transfer cluster munitions. The final vote was 30 in favor, 70 opposed.
AAI urges all its friends to:
1) Contact Senator Feinstein and thank her for her amendment on cluster bombs
2) Contact your senators. Thank them if they voted in favor and express your disappointment if they opposed the amendment. Find your senators phone numbers by clicking here.
US Leadership Can Lead To Comprehensive Peace
Posted on Wednesday August 16, 2006
Lobby Day Resources on Lebanon
Posted on Tuesday August 15, 2006
Support Senator Chafee's Call for a Ceasefire!
Posted on Wednesday August 9, 2006
Hundreds of you responded to our call to action thanking Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) for his recent speech calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon and advocating a responsible US foreign policy. It’s important that other elected officials with the courage to speak out receive support from Arab Americans and those who support peace. Like Hagel, Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), chairman of the Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs subcommittee on Senate Foreign Relations, has been a staunch advocate for peace in the region and increased US engagement. Chafee was the only member of his party to vote against the Iraq war.
Every American Who Wants to Depart Will Be Helped
From US Embassy in Beirut Press Release
Posted on Thursday July 20, 2006
“Helping Americans Depart Safely is our First Priority.”
The U.S. Government is using all resources possible to facilitate the speedy and safe departure of American citizens currently in Lebanon using every means available. The departure of every single American citizen who wishes to leave Lebanon is the first priority for the U.S. Government. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense are ensuring that all available military, civilian, and private sector resources in the region are being directed to accomplish this goal. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has made possible the departure of over 1,500 American citizens via helicopter and cruise ship in the past four days. Urgent medical need cases are still the first priority.
Evacuation from Lebanon
Posted on Thursday July 20, 2006
The State Department has started to contact American citizens who have registered with the Embassy to begin the evacuation process from Lebanon. If you or a loved one have not been contacted by the embassy, please contact the Arab American Institute at (202) 429-9210 or rabouchedid@aaiusa.org and we will assist you in reaching the proper officials at the State Department.
Crisis in the Middle East
Posted on Thursday July 20, 2006
“We fight our own way. I’m working non-stop to give medicines to my people.”
These are real stories and pictures sent to AAI from Arab Americans whose family and friends are stuck in Lebanon.
I want to tell my president Mr. Bush to tell Israel to please stop destroying the roads in Lebanon. I don’t know how we can come back home with all the roads and airports being destroyed…I miss my friends Conner, Mitch and Ryan. I want to come back home so we have a few basketball games before school starts.
Talking Points on Middle East Crisis
Posted on Thursday July 20, 2006
US Leadership Is Required to End Violence in the Middle East
Emergency Summit on Lebanon and Palestine
Posted on Wednesday July 19, 2006
In response to the crisis in the Middle East, the Arab American Institute (AAI) organized an Emergency Summit on Lebanon and Palestine July 19 that was attended by leaders of Arab American organizations from across the country.
Emergency Summit on the Middle East Crisis
Posted on Wednesday July 19, 2006
Thanks to the hundreds of Arab Americans who have responded to our call for action—around 100 leaders from 13 states will be joining us in Washington, DC on Wednesday, July 19 and Arab Americans in over 20 districts will meet with their Representatives and Congressional staff.
As Arab Americans, it is vital that elected officials and policy makers hear our concerns.
Take Action! Call for US Leadership to End MidEast Violence!
Posted on Tuesday July 18, 2006
Senator John Warner's Remarks on the Senate Floor
Posted on Monday July 17, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006, the Senate was set to vote on a resolution defending Israel’s attacks on Lebanon. That vote was blocked by Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John Warner (R-VA). Warner noted the following on the Senate floor:
“I urge those…to make sure there is not an ambiguity there because the people of Lebanon are suffering enormously at this time, as are the people in Gaza. Many of those people are not aligned with either Hezbollah or Hamas.
“There is no mention in the resolution of some perhaps 25,000 Americans who are trapped or engulfed in one way in this conflict. How best do we address this conflict to help protect those 25,000 persons? That is an essential part of this debate.
“Now we see today that so many nations say the United States must take a stronger role in trying to work our way through this conflict, yes, supporting Israel but at the same time trying to bring about some resolution to spare the life and limb and suffering in Palestine, Lebanon, and Israel, to see that it not spread to other areas.
“I conclude our support for Israel is very strong, Mr. President, but it cannot be unconditional.”
